zeroing a scope

[rusty_wingnut]

does anybody have a fool proof way of doing it without buying loads of kit?

[Borderterrier]

A rifle scope??

[BushMech]

This helped me out...

http://www.youngmans.com/acatalog/Setting_up_your_Scope.html

[Alane]

I always found 2 sandbags or equivilant & a screwdriver pretty useful.

Laying the rifle upright in the crack between the bags holds it steady enough for bore sighting.

Otherwise it's trial & error clicking away after every shot

Ade

[Ben_J85JTY]

To Zero a target rifle of any sort you really need to fire groups of at least 3 rounds, preferably 5 at the same point of aim. If you adjust after each shot you will spend the whole day chasing the error.

As suggested before, use a couple of sandbags/pillows/beanbags and build your position, making sure you are in a comfortable position.

Make sure your body is naturally aligned at the target by getting into the aim and then closing your eyes for about 5 secs. When you open them the rifle will be pointing towars the natural point of aim - where your body whats the rifle to point - and move your position as necessary.

You then want to start your group, try to move your body as little as possible when re loading and remember to concentrate on the shot release and your breathing.

Fire your 5 and then have a look at the target. The objective is to have as tighter group as possible anywhere on the target. You can then adjust the sight to bring the group to the point of aim.

As a general rule it takes about 6 goes to get it spot on.

NRA coach head off....... Hope it helps!

[BigJim]

Fire your 5 and then have a look at the target. The objective is to have as tighter group as possible anywhere on the target. !
If you don't get a tight group, consider why:
Is the rifle a good one or is it worn etc
Is the scope good, nothing loose etc
Is your technique good (gentle squeeze on ttriggr, not jerk, hold breath and stay perfectly still when when squeezing etc)

Sorry if I'm teaching my grandmother etc..

and if you get a decent group (i.e. within the size of the target you will be using the rifle for) but can't get it to zero, remember you can always aim off to compensate (e.g if your group is 50mm low at the distance you normally shoot at, aim 50mm high) and heve a go at zeroing later on when you have got used to the rifle(I am assuming it is a new (to you) rifle and/or scope)

[rusty_wingnut]

yeah new rifle/scope

can't hit jack with it, open sights am ok.

[Marc Lurie]

What calibre is the rifle, and what's the magnification of the scope? A poorly matched combination could cause all sorts of problems.

1) When setting the scope, always use the same ammo for every shot, preferably all from the same box.

2) If your scope is WAY out, bring the target as close as 10 to 15 metres so that even a really wayward scope will still hit the target somewhere. It doesn't help to be shooting at a target 100 metres away, but not being able to see whether you're too high, too low, too left or too right because you're not hitting the target.

Cheers,
Marc

[BigJim]

yeah new rifle/scope

can't hit jack with it, open sights am ok.
As marc says, come closer, or set it up an a well weighted workbench/vice or clamp it to something solid, see where the sights are pointing (at the distance you want to use it) and adjust the scope to the same spot, then try again.

[BushMech]

He hasn't said what type of rifle, but if it is a springer air rifle he defo does not want to be clamping it and firing.

[BigJim]

He hasn't said what type of rifle, but if it is a springer air rifle he defo does not want to be clamping it and firing.
No, nor did I sugest that.
I said to see where it was pointing

[rusty_wingnut]

ok reckon i managed it using a homebuilt wooden tripod, a wall and the same ammo.

basically height wise it was fine, but biased to the left ( i am left handed)

its a cheapo B2 with 4x20 socpe.

[BushMech]

cheapo B2 with 4x20 socpe.

these low quality Chinese rifles are not known for providing consistency so you might have frustrating time trying:)

[Marc Lurie]

What's a B2? A .22 air rifle? I'm unfamiliar with the term.

Marc

[BushMech]

What's a B2? A .22 air rifle? I'm unfamiliar with the term.

Marc

TYPE: .22 Air Rifle
BRAND = SMK :rolleyes:
MODEL = B2
PRICE NEW = UNDER 50 QUID

http://www.reviewcentre.com/review159955.html

[rusty_wingnut]

its a .177

[Marc Lurie]

Ah. OK then.:) There's a whole heap of cheap Chinese air rifles available here. I had one but I was not impressed. I bought a Spanish .177 rifle (is it called a Gamo?) that is better quality. They claim 1000fps, but I'm in doubt...

.22 air rifles are illegal here without a license, but .177 caliber's are available almost anywhere, and without any licensing.

[MinesalongunCSW]

Bore sight it first - saves loads of ammo.
Put on bench (better still use a black & decker work bench).
Take bolt out, look down barrel at point-of-aim.
Look thru sight and wind your sight onto target.

If u r shooting indoor - bore sight at 25m.
For deer 50m or 70m I find best.
This should save 5-6 rounds and make it a lot safer.

Then put bolt in and plink away in groups of 3 supported until you are wound in. Take the mean of each group of 3 as a mean point of aim.
Always use same ammo during sighting in and fring groups.

When ur on target go down to single rounds.
Write down what you do each time with windage and elevation - that way you can differentiate between a crap shot and needing-further-adjustment.

Keep a book with your shots in.
Remember to make special note of first and second shots - they are cold bore and you need to know where these go as they are your "hunting shots".

There is some good stuff on snipercountry.

[MinesalongunCSW]

Ooops - its an air rifle :-)
Ignore above, you won't do 70 yards...
Just bench rest and wind in. Groups may still work.

If you are having trouble check scope mounts are tight.
If this doen't work, 10m is close, fix bayonet and charge.
Dont go on sniper country and ask about air rifles mate :-)

[Airbrush]

ok reckon i managed it using a homebuilt wooden tripod, a wall and the same ammo.

basically height wise it was fine, but biased to the left ( i am left handed)

its a cheapo B2 with 4x20 socpe.

Forget trying to zero the scope, just throw the gun at the target, you'll have more chance of hitting it.:rolleyes::D

Get rid of that chav rifle & buy a proper bit of kit.;)

Andy.

[Steve HNZ]

Start with a big piece of cardboard at 5 metres. fire 5 shots at a fixed aiming point, do not shift your aim even if you can see they're not going where you want them to. If you can't get a group like that then try all the other good advice re hold , tight mounts etc that has been offered. If all this still fails to get a good group then its probably the rig, not the shooter. It is worth it to give the scope a gentle bump with the heal of your hand to settle the internal mech after making an adjustment, stops the second shot being miles away from the first & confusing the crap out of you. Good luck.
Steve.

[spandit]

I wouldn't advise hunting with the B2. I've got one and they're not very accurate, but great fun for "plinking". As has been said before, fire groups of 5 rounds into a target at about 25 yards. Adjust the scope and then try again. The scope should have some adjustment figures on it, so you can work out how many clicks you need to turn it.

One of the most satisfying plinking targets I ever used consisted of a load of (empty!!!) shotgun cartridges. Stood on the brass base, they go flying when you hit them and are rugged enough to withstand a fair bit of re-use

[steve@offroadin]

get a 1" grid target and download chairgun, it has a quick zero part that gives you the click adjustment for zeroing scopes

http://www.chairgun.com/

[acwid]

Best thing to do cut 3/4 inch off the spring reheat and reshape .Then make a 10mm piston weight try zeroing again plus get yourself a cheap chrono,a large reduction in recoil makes life a hell of a lot easier .Worked for my tx 200 a treat.

[jtpalmer]

can you see down you barrel ??? is it a bolt action ???
if it is 1, take the bolt out
2, look down the barrel from the breech end
3, look at a target at the distance you generally want to shoot.
4 its best to have sand bags or similar now with out moving the gun, once the you can see the target thru the barrel look thru your scope and see where the cross hairs are .
adjust if needed for windage
5, now fire about 5 shots to see where they hit then adjust from there ....
hope this helps !!
or buy a collimator from mc avoy guns 01257 426129
they are about £40-50